It's the final week of preparations before the Sooners hit Owen Field for the annual Red & White Game this Saturday. And with time running out for players to make a big impression, Bob Stoops sees this as a big week of practice for several players up and down the roster.

The Sooners will have an extra week of practice following the Red & White Game, but after two weeks, it's apparent things are starting to take shape in the OU secondary.

The Sooners ran their nickel and dime packages on defense for the first time all spring on Monday. And it appears the defense will give a major new role to standout sophomore Reggie Smith. With the emergence of Lendy Holmes this spring, Smith is able to work as 'extra' defensive back in the Sooners' dime package.

"When we went to five defensive backs we worked Reggie (Smith) in the dime position or the Roy-back position, however you want to look at it. It's still the 'Roy' position until someone plays like him," said Stoops following Monday's practice.

"Lendy has probably been the most consistent out there at making plays as the next guy coming in. It's the first day we've worked on it but it looked good," added Stoops.

With the defensive backfield making so much progress this spring, the attention begins to turn to the offensive side of the ball. Stoops reiterated his comments about the scrimmage on Monday after looking over film.

"I really believe defensively, we're just so much further along. It's not even close to a year ago at this time. The defense should do well if they're going to be good at all and we are. But the offense is making improvement and I see it constantly,' said Stoops.